A Change in History Outtakes
A HP Fanfiction
Disclaimer: I do not own HP.
Intimidation is Overrated!
"No, not like that. Argh…" Tom rubbed his temples wearily, wondering why in the name of Merlin he had ever agreed to this preposterous arrangement in the first place. Harry grinned up at him brightly, excitement lighting his features. Tom felt the almost overwhelming urge to just strangle the boy and be done with it rise within him like a snake, but he refrained. "Focus. You will never achieve the state of mind necessary for the next step if you do not." Harry nodded and closed his eyes again, concentration marring deep lines into his forehead as he struggled with the procedure. Tom sighed. He had no idea why he had agreed to teach the boy how to be an Animagus in the first place; Harry certainly didn't need any encouragement to go romping around the keep at night, frightening his Death Eaters—he did that enough as it was. Tom scowled as Harry began to lightly sweat from the pressure; the boy was pushing himself too hard.
After a short time of futile struggling with himself Harry gave up, instead slumping back in the armchair which he currently occupied. "Merlin, this is harder than they made it sound," he groaned in frustration. Tom raised an eyebrow at him.
"I could have told you that at any point in time. Remind me again why it was I allowed you to go through with this foolish endeavor." Harry grinned at him deviously.
"Because I asked and it was my birthday so you couldn't say no." Tom sighed and rubbed his temples again. Oh yes, that's why. Bloody brat. He was beginning to sincerely regret ever giving in to Harry's pleading for instruction. He should have left the boy to do it on his own. But then again, the small, snide little voice that so often plagued him after he had first found Harry remarked, he more than likely would have ended up stuck as half human and half creature. It would be interesting trying to explain to the mediwizard how that happened. Tom bit back an annoyed groan. That was the last thing he needed, to be questioned by his own followers. Tom shook his head to clear himself of the distracting thoughts and paid Harry his attention again.
"Try it once more. If you can't do it this time then I'm calling the whole thing off." Harry's happy visage turned slightly sour, but he didn't argue; instead he clenched his hands into fists and shut his eyes so tightly Tom couldn't help but wonder if permanent damage might be done to them.
Harry, by some miracle, managed to stay like that for several hours. Tom was getting impatient and was about to indeed end the whole charade when a loud pop resounded through the room. His eyes widened slightly in shock before a sardonically amused smile twisted his face.
"Well, well, well. I can't say I'm surprised." He bit back the urge to laugh when two large, round feline eyes glared at him—or attempted to, anyways. There was no viable way to pull it off when Harry was in that form. With another pop Harry turned back, his glower fully settled onto his face.
"Shut up. I don't want to hear it." Tom's vindictive grin grew wider and Harry had to try very hard not to throw something heavy and blunt at him.
"Why should I? After all, you make a very…intimidating…" so much sarcasm lacing that word, it should be illegal! "baby tiger. No one would ever suspect you of foul play." Harry's countenance flushed scarlet and he huffed, trying to save what little dignity he had left.
"Yeah, well, when I'm older it'll be pretty impressive. You just wait." The seven year old declared stiffly. Another twisted smile threatened to crack the Dark Lord's composure. He forced himself to keep a perfectly straight face.
"Certainly. But for now I would do my best to avoid the females in the ranks of my Death Eaters." He couldn't stop the evil smile from flashing across his face. "If I recall, Vincent has a thing for small furry animals…" he trailed off thoughtfully, fully aware of the impact this would have on his son. All the color drained out of Harry's face and he bolted from the room as if the dogs that guarded the gates of the underworld were nipping at his heels. Tom allowed himself a short burst of fiendish laughter before rising from his chair and following after the boy. It wouldn't do for him to do something utterly stupid when under distress. They both had a reputation to maintain, after all.
A/N: I thought some outtakes from Harry's time in the keep would be in order and would occupy you lot until I can really start on the next installment, and that some light humour was in order. Some of you were pretty down over the fact that we didn't get to see more of Tom in the main story, so here he is for you all. This has been rolling around in my mind for awhile and I felt it'd be a good idea. If there is any particular scene that's mentioned in passing that you want to see written out, tell me! I'd love to do it for you. Most of them, like this one, will be relatively short in length; but then again, they're just snippets of the things that go on in Harry's life instead of actual chapters. I felt the fans of ACiH would get a kick out of something like this; I know I did. :)